by Rose Murphy, Bull Run Observer

17 June 2011, p. 22

” ‘I don’t have to look any further than my four children for motivation to try to make my community the best place it can be. My focus is on the future of Prince William County and the Gainesville District. I want my kids to have a safe, vibrant community to call home,’ says Peter Candland in reporting why he wants to represent Gainesville District on Prince William Board of County supervisors.

“Candland is one of five Republicans running in the Aug. 23 primary election to become the GOP candidate to succeed John Stirrup, a fellow Republican, as supervisor. Sitrrup is running for the new 13th state senate district. One Democrat has filed for the Nov. 8 general election for supervisor, and was unopposed at presstime.

“The candidate explains his concerns for Gainesville include having ‘a strong quality of life in Gainesville that includes great schools, efficient transporation, lower taxes and high-paying jobs. These are the issues I intend to address.’

“In discussing the Rural Crescent, Candland says, ‘We need to preserve the Rural Crescent. Prince William County has great natural resources, and county government should be mindful to conserve our natural beauties.’

“The Republican notes he supports ‘a balanced approach between conservation and meeting the needs of our citizens’ when it comes to growth in the county.

” ‘We need to make sure that our infrastructure needs are not overlooked as we maintain a community that supports families and workers,’ he adds.

“Candland suggests the best way to address transportation issues is to create local jobs ‘so that citizens can live and work in the same community. I support the county’s road-building efforts, and I support other initiatives like VRE and other commuting options.’

“As the father of four children, the candidate says he understands how important good schools are.

” ‘I believe we have some of the best teachers and administrators in the State of Virginia working in PWC. We need to reduce the number of trailers at our schools and continue funding new schools where needed. Education is critical to econommic development, and it should not be overlooked,’ Candland asserts.

“The candidate adds he supports the county’s Rule of Law resolution, ‘which has undoubtedly made our communities safer by deporting criminal illegal aliens.’ He stresses the importance of the county’s public safety staff’s having the resources it needs ‘to protect the safety, security and quality of life of citizens in Prince William.’

“Candland explains he is excited about the opportunity to serve his community and preserve a great future for his children ages 1-11.

” ‘My campaign is about the Prince William County of tomorrow, and I will fight every day to preserve a vibrant future for my children, the Gainesville District and Prince William County,’ he remarks.

“The candidate has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master of buisness administration degree from Marymount University. He works for an international technology company in Northern Virginia, where he specializes in company strategy and contract negotiations.

“Candland and wife Robyn live in the Piedmont community, where he heads the homeowners’ association. The couple also is active in its church. Robyn is a former county schoolteacher, and both are active in their children’s school and sports activities.”

The following is a mid-July 2011 Facebook exchange between PWCBG’s Ralph Stephenson and Gainesville Supervisor Candidate Peter Candland in which Candland states his support for PWCBG’s balanced growth principles:

Hi Ralph. Sorry its taken me a while to get back in touch with you. I hope things are going well. I reviewed your web page and agree with your sentiment. I believe we need to take a responsible approach to all growth and development within the county. We need to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place for our residents and hold the developers to a higher standard then we’ve seen in the past. As you know, I have a business background – specifically in contract negotiations…I will bring this expertise when dealing with developers and make sure we are looking out for the best interests of our citizens. Let me know if you want to discuss further. Thanks. Peter

Hi, Peter. I understand you’re running for Gainesville District supervisor in the 23 Aug Republican primary. I represent Prince William Citizens for Balanced Growth.

I noticed in the 17 Jun BRO article that you said you support “a balanced approach between conservation and meeting the needs of our citizens” when it comes to growth in the county. If you can, please let me know if you’re supportive of the following: